F1 US Grand Prix: The 16-year-old living her motorsports dream

21 Oct 2023

The image came from Getty Images.

Chloe is scheduled to participate in three competitions on Saturday and Sunday, marking the culmination of the F1 Academy.

Rewritten: Written by Charlotte Simpson and Manish Pandey, this blog post offers an alternative version in easily understood English.

When Chloe Chong reminisces about her younger years, her six-year-old self would never have had the audacity to imagine that she would be in her current position.

The upcoming weekend will feature a 16-year-old taking part in the F1 Academy support race of the United States Grand Prix, which will be held in Austin, Texas.

The F1 Academy was established in 2021 as a beginner course for female racers who are commencing their career in motorsports.

Fifteen women have participated in a competition divided into five teams, and the initial race happened in Austria during the month of April.

This coming weekend marks the end of the season and Chloe is thrilled to be spending it alongside her idol, the renowned Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis has accomplished something truly remarkable by inspiring a vast number of individuals. This fact motivates me to continue exerting my utmost effort.

She has another link to the renowned British racer, as she began her racing journey at the identical karting track as him.

Starting from the same spot feels amazing! He motivated me to take up karting when I was young," the lady shares with BBC Newsbeat as they chat at the Buckmore Park Kart Circuit situated in Kent.

I appreciate everything he has done not just for assisting women in F1, but also for promoting inclusivity of different ethnic groups in the sporting world.

The image used in this post was sourced from Getty Images.

Chloe and the other drivers in the F1 Academy had the opportunity to meet Lewis Hamilton before the upcoming US GP.

When Chloe returns to the track, memories come rushing back to her.

I feel a sense of familiarity in this place, yet it also seems like an alternate reality to me. Driving these massive vehicles can make you lose touch with your roots and background.

I believe it's wonderful to revisit the past experiences, add to them and maintain appreciation for one's current situation.

The adolescent stated her choice of entering the racing world at the track occurred during her early childhood, when she was merely five years old.

She recalls having always desired to ride in a car and was overjoyed when her persistent pleas to her parents paid off and she finally got her wish.

My folks didn't have an interest in racing. However, viewing Formula One sparked an enthusiasm for sports within me.

Chloe considered entering the higher echelon of F1 racing without delay, however, her father advised her of the toil involved throughout the journey and proposed that she commence with karting.

He informed me about a circuit where Lewis Hamilton took off, emphasizing that every champion begins their journey in kart racing.

"It was a definite confirmation for me to begin my journey at the same venue as one of my admired individuals. Additionally, I believe it enhanced my enthusiasm towards the sport."

The source of the image is Chloe Chong.

The adolescent began participating in kart racing by persistently requesting her parents to grant her the opportunity to try it out at the tender age of five.

It's not only Chloe and Hamilton who gained knowledge and experience at Buckmore Park Kart Circuit.

The place also served as a training ground for other accomplished British drivers such as Lando Norris and Jenson Button to master turning corners and racing swiftly in straight stretches.

Chloe thinks it's incredibly motivating to acquire knowledge about the identical topics at the identical circuit as those who came before her.

Transitioning from karting to racing cars has been a significant adaptation, she acknowledges.

There's only a limited amount you can gain from karting, as it helps develop your timing and passing skills.

The fundamental contrast among automobiles and go-karting is the extent of intricacy included.

In my opinion, it leads to increased scrutiny. You must have better communication with your engineering and team members.

"There is a greater level of planning involved, and I believe that was the primary adaptation for me. It was also the most difficult one to grasp, and it consumed a significant amount of time."

The picture comes from the source of Getty Images.

Chloe expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to gain knowledge and enhance her skills, following her first season as a rookie.

Chloe, who is only 16, is not yet permitted by law to drive on British roads. However, she has been driving at the astonishing speed of 150mph in her F1 Academy car on the racecourse throughout this year.

As she takes a look back at her debut year and her initial encounter with racing cars, she believes that the season has been quite successful.

As the youngest driver in the grid, we always had the notion that it would be futile to strive to surpass drivers who had already gained six or seven years of experience in car racing.

One should appreciate the small achievements, especially when competing with highly experienced girls. This will always pose a challenge.

When the season started, she wanted to complete races. In the first race, she managed to finish in sixth place and earn some points. This achievement meant so much to her that she will always remember it.

Overall, this season has been fantastic and has shown significant progress.

The upcoming Texas race is the only event that supports the F1 Academy. However, things will be different next year as the junior category for women will hold all its competitions as support races for the grands prix.

Racing teams from F1 are set to select a driver for the F1 Academy, and Chloe is eager to gain the attention of McLaren, Williams, or Mercedes and be their chosen one.

In the world of motorsports, she believes that these kinds of actions represent a "significant advancement" for women.

"When it comes to financial plans, I believe it is one of the greatest obstacles we encounter."

However, at present, Chloe expresses her eagerness to enjoy the present and values "the time spent with the team acquiring knowledge".

I am simply observing and experiencing everything that's coming my way and making the most of the chance given to me. I express my extreme thankfulness for the fortunate events.

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